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Step Back In Time: The Incredible TWA Hotel Stay That Feels Like The 1960s
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to step into a time machine and find yourself smack in the middle of the golden age of air travel, the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York is your boarding pass to the past.
And this isn’t your typical airport hotel (the kind where you begrudgingly crash during an unfortunate layover), oh no. This is part living museum, part luxury escape, and entirely a love letter to 1960s aviation.
Originally the TWA Flight Center, designed by architectural virtuoso Eero Saarinen in 1962, the hotel is a shining example of mid-century marvel reimagined for modern travelers.
Fancy sipping cocktails inside an airplane or lounging like a Mad Men character? Keep reading.
The Retro Design And Atmosphere Take You Back In Time
It’s one thing to slap some vintage wallpaper on the walls; it’s another to perfectly recreate the feeling of walking into the past.
The TWA Hotel doesn’t merely dabble in nostalgia – it dives in headfirst, wearing a perfectly tailored retro uniform. The architecture alone is enough to knock your bobby socks off.
And the original mid-century modern design has been painstakingly preserved, making the place feel less like a hotel and more like a time capsule with room service.
Speaking of iconic spaces, the Sunken Lounge will have you thinking you’re about to bump into Don Draper (and praying he has a spare Old Fashioned for you). Complete with mid-century furniture and an alcohol-forward cocktail list, it’s pure ’60s swagger.
And then there’s the Connie Cocktail Lounge – a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane-turned-bar. You can sip a martini inside a restored airplane, which is so extravagant it practically shouts, “No peanuts here.”
If you’re more into modern-day aviation voyeurism, rest assured. The giant floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unparalleled view of planes coming and going, creating a perfect juxtaposition of vintage cool meeting modern jets.
And for all you detail nerds out there, there’s an original split-flap departure board by Solari di Udine that clacks and flutters like it hasn’t aged a day since 1962.
You’ll also spot retro TWA uniforms on the staff, mid-century furnishings on every corner, and a curated collection of aviation memorabilia dotting the halls.
So yes, you could call it a hotel… but calling it a whole mood seems more appropriate.
The Amenities Make It More Than Just A Hotel Stay
What’s better than sipping a glass of wine? Sipping a glass of wine while staring out at JFK’s runways from a heated infinity pool.
That’s right – the TWA Hotel has a rooftop pool that doubles as the ultimate plane-spotting venue.
And don’t worry – if swimming isn’t your thing, lounging poolside and soaking in the Manhattan skyline views is a perfectly acceptable way to pass the time.
For the airline history buffs out there, the TWA Museum is a must. Complete with vintage uniforms, airline artifacts, and interactive exhibits, it’s an aviation nerd’s paradise.
You won’t just learn about TWA’s history – you’ll feel it. And if you catch yourself playing airline trivia afterward, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Now, on to the food… because what’s time traveling without a mid-century-inspired feast? The Paris Cafe, created by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serves up gourmet dishes that feel appropriately luxurious without crossing into ridiculous territory.
And if it’s cocktails you’re after (of course, it is), the hotel features multiple lounges, each carefully designed to keep the 1960s vibe rolling. You’ll never look at your corner bar the same way again.
Unique Rooms For An Immersive Experience
Stepping into one of the TWA Hotel’s rooms is like wandering onto the set of a 1960s film – but with soundproofed walls and beds so comfortable, they feel like clouds (not turbulence-prone ones).
The historic TWA branding is woven into every element – from the Knoll furniture to the rotary phones that’ll have you reconsidering your smartphone dependency. Throw in ultra-plush bedding and strategically placed vintage details, and you’ll find yourself tempted to spend half your stay indoors.
It’s not a hotel room; it’s a perfectly executed aesthetic experience.
Also, a bonus for anyone who hates hearing planes while trying to sleep… the soundproofing might as well be magic. You’re surrounded by one of the busiest airports in the world, but your room is a zen oasis (complete with jet-age charm).
A Perfect Stay For Aviation Lovers And NYC Travelers
Maybe you’re an aviation enthusiast who dreams about engine models, or perhaps you just need to catch a painfully early flight without losing your mind. Either way, the TWA Hotel is ideal.
Located right next to JFK’s Terminal 5, it’s insanely convenient for layovers, early flights, or a quick stay between adventures.
But that’s not all. The hotel also frequently hosts events that make it even more enticing – from aviation history talks and live music to classic movie nights that turn the place into the coolest retro hangout you’ve never been invited to (until now).
It’s the kind of place where photographers go wild, aviation buffs drool, and design lovers swoon. And if you find yourself longing to explore beyond the hotel, Manhattan is just a subway ride away.
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